Business

Making Fast Decisions Using Your Gut

“You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.” ~Tina Fey

I love that quote. And, I give it bonus points just because Tina Fey said it. I mean, who doesn’t love Tina Fey!?

In all seriousness, she’s right. We all have to start making faster decisions and get our butts down the chute.

There are so many reasons that making fast decisions is good for you and your business. Now, just so we’re clear, I’m not talking about, nor do I support making rash decisions or being sloppy or careless in our work, communication or relationships. That’s not what this is about.

This is about how we have the tendency to beat ourselves up over every little thing that comes our way.

Let’s say you give yourself one week to make a decision. And you write out your pros and cons. You ask advice from others who’ve been in your shoes before, in the same situation. You sleep on it. Okay, all good stuff. But then, you have an inclination about your decision. Your gut is telling you to do something, buuuuuut, you keep thinking about it. You play it back in your mind again. Over and over again. What does this do for you? How does this benefit you or your business?

It doesn’t.

The truth is, most of the time (especially with the small-ish stuff: What type of website should you have? What colors are right for your logo? Should you sign up for ________ webinar or go to _________ conference?), it’s best to go with your gut.

Turns out, you and your business will benefit from making speedy decisions on the big-ish stuff, too! Just because you’re facing a business decision that feels scary or uncomfortable doesn’t mean you should take more time to think about it.

In fact, I’ve found that intuition has an even grander role for these BIG decisions. For me, it’s intuition that pushes me toward the edge and helps me make the leap when it’s time to really go for it. Without my faith and trust in that gut feeling, I’d likely STILL be clinging to the edge.

Rather than spending that extra time, energy, brain power and SANITY trying to decide on something, give yourself the freedom to trust your gut.

You have intuition for a reason. Use that leftover time, energy, brain power and sanity to make the most out of whatever you decided! Make a decision and then make it right. Stand confidently in whatever it is you decide. Give it all you’ve got.

And, you know what, if it all doesn’t turn out how you hoped or planned, that’s okay!! I know that in the moment when that happens, it definitely doesn’t FEEL okay, but it is. You’re so much better off really going for something and giving it all you’ve got than standing at the top of the waterslide your whole life.

There’s bound to be a few bumps and turns along the way, but eventually, you’ll end up in those crystal clear waters!

Besides, when you make faster decisions, only will you stop driving yourself crazy and start sleeping better, you’ll have more time for important things like building relationships, marketing yourself and implementing those CEO-sized ideas you’ve been pushing to the back burner. Oh, and how about more adventures. I highly encourage more of those with your newfound time + freedom.

I want to give you a little challenge, so you can start reaping the benefits of fast decision making!

For the next week, be extra aware of every single decision that comes your way. Give yourself a deadline. And then get on with your life and business! I’d love to hear how it goes in the comments below!